Castro Embraces Unplanned Learning Opportunity

This time a year ago, Jason Castro’s bat was heating up in Round Rock, and the Astros catcher of the future was making it clear that the “of the future” designation would soon be replaced by a brick red star on his helmet. Now, a year later, Castro is indeed wearing a star on his cap, but due to a season ending knee injury, he is wearing that “of the future” tag again as well. In spite of the inconvenience of having his first full major league season delayed by 365 days, Castro is using the unplanned sabbatical to get prepared for the time when he returns to the playing field.

With his surgery not three months past, rehabilitating the repaired knee is Castro’s first priority. However, now that he is off of crutches and becoming more mobile, Castro spends as much time as possible with the team and sits on the bench at all home games. He gets a different perspective on the game from the bench, while the Astros play. “(The game) slows down a bit” for Castro and he says that he is especially able to gain new insights into the defensive side of catching as a spectator.

Sitting with starting pitchers on their off days provides such a learning opportunity for Castro. Using the game in front of them as a classroom, Castro and the pitchers he will hopefully be handling next spring have a chance to discuss hitters’ tendencies and strategies for attacking them.

Castro benefited much during his rookie season from working with Pitching Coach Brad Arnsberg. Arnsberg modeled a great work ethic for Castro and introduced him to the advanced video resources of Major League baseball. “He did a great job showing me the lay of the land,” said Castro, of Arnsberg’s guidance.

Castro plans to travel more with the team as the season progresses, provided his rehabilitation continues to stay on schedule. He will also increase his participation in Arnsberg’s pre-game meetings with the starting pitchers and catchers, where he hopes to add even more information about the game to his arsenal for 2012 and beyond.

Castro indicates that his knee is “right where it is supposed to be” at this point in the recovery process. There is some question about when that process will enable Castro to get behind the plate again. However, there is no there is no question that Castro is doing everything he can to be ready when that day arrives.

NOTE: Special thanks to Castro’s representative who made it possible for me to talk to Jason. Also, thanks to Lee Street, who provided most of the interview questions that I used.